Following global consultations, UNDP is launching its new framework to guide the agency’s technical support and policy advice to national governments on ecosystems and biodiversity over the period 2012 to 2020. The new framework will be launched at this event during the High-Level Segment by UNDP Associate Administrator, Rebeca Grynspan and CBD Executive Secretary, Braulio Dias. For the past 40 years, UNDP has been a global leader in supporting national biodiversity management efforts, and currently supports work in 146 countries, on projects worth $1.4 billion in GEF and other funding. Through the portfolio over 2,000 protected areas have been established in 85 countries, covering 272 million hectares; interventions have been made in productive sectors and development planning in 38 countries, covering 244 million hectares; and ecosystem-based adaptation to or mitigation of climate change has been promoted in 71 countries. The new framework sets out new directions for work in these three areas, designed to support the efforts of Parties to the CBD in meeting the targets agreed at the COP-10 in Nagoya in 2010.